Grading all 7 picks of Chargers 2018 NFL draft

The 2018 NFL draft concluded on Sunday, and for the Chargers they saw a big haul of defensive players early on followed by offensive players that will serve as depth to finish out the event.

Below are grades and analysis of all seven players Los Angeles selected and the overall class grade.

Class grade: B

The Chargers had a plan going into this draft after being fairly quiet in free agency, and it was to get faster and more physical on defense. Los Angeles stacked deck by using their first four picks to address a desperate need with some gems after being one of the worst teams against the run in the NFL in 2017.

The Bolts’ final three picks were used on offensive players, and all three appear to have a legitimate shot to make the roster of a team that finished fourth in the league with 376.6 yards per game last season.

General manager Tom Telesco and coach Anthony Lynn did a nice job of keeping a balance with their selections based on the glaring holes to fill. There were some questions on the players that were selected when they could have gone with better value, but overall, it was good haul for a team that has a vision of building a Super Bowl roster and it should have fans excited for the 2018 season.

Round 1
No. 17
Derwin James
S

Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Grade: A+

The Chargers kicked off the draft by seeing one of the top players fall right into their laps in former Florida State safety Derwin James at No. 17 overall.

James was a favorite among those who were mocked to the Bolts throughout the pre-draft process along. His insane athleticism had fans wanting him to join one of the top defenses in the 2018 season.

James is the type of player that defensive coordinator Gus Bradley covets, who will be used in the same mold as Seahawks Kam Chancellor and Earl Thomas when he was the DC there in Seattle. The Chargers were thrilled when everything fell into place for them and it should only leave for further excitement to see how lethal the secondary will be.

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